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Magazine 02 / 17 / 12

CO-OP NextGen ATM

CO-OP is introducing ATMs that do almost everything a shared branch does – without the branch.

With so much discussion about emerging technologies, it’s easy to forget that credit unions already offer a technology that is established, widespread and universally accepted in everyday life: automated teller machines. What if credit unions could leverage the convenience of shared branching by linking it to ATMs? Members could get more done in a self-service format they love. Credit unions could offer automated services in their branches, extend their branch reach without the expense of brick and mortar, and share capabilities with other credit unions nationwide – all without the trouble of creating and introducing unfamiliar technology. Continue reading →

Magazine 01 / 20 / 12

Eternal Revenue Services

In this environment, you can’t afford to stop thinking about boosting your revenue. Here, four thoughts on where to grow.

1. DON’T DO IT YOURSELF

You can see that the idea has potential. For instance, anyone who has spent more than five minutes with a group of small-business owners knows that the need for better business lending is real. Member business services are a great mechanism for building strong member relationships as well. Add in a new potential revenue stream and the chance to diversify your operations, and chances are good you have a winner. Continue reading →

Magazine 12 / 16 / 11

Let’s Get Engaged

THE PROPOSAL: You’ve been seeing each other for a while. Maybe things started out with a certain intensity. Maybe you just sort of fell into it. Either way, your credit union has a relationship – in fact, many relationships – with its members. This story is about making those relationships better.

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Magazine 11 / 23 / 11

THINK OUT LOUD

Stan Hollen on an Industry that Does Business Like None Other

As President and CEO of CO-OP Financial Services, Stan Hollen does plenty of thinking about the industry – the challenges facing credit unions, what industry leaders are talking about, the value of working cooperatively and the innovation that will lead us into the future. THINK caught up with Hollen to find out what’s what as CO-OP Financial Services turns 30, the Durbin Amendment takes affect and we head into 2012. Continue reading →

Magazine 08 / 05 / 11

The Efficiency Factor

Where to Look if You’re Looking to Ratchet Up Your Margins

Talking about efficiency sometimes lacks the allure of, say, browsing futuristic technology or scheming to win hordes of new members. By contrast, efficiency conjures terms like waste reduction and cost cutting. Ouch. Continue reading →

Magazine 08 / 01 / 11

Time Out

On a recent trip to our nation’s capital, we had lunch with Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals’ credit union liaison Felicity Skudin Guerin to discuss the progress of Credit Unions for Kids. Guerin’s great ideas weren’t limited to philanthropy, however. She also insisted we buy a few packages of Salty Oats cookies for the trip home. Continue reading →

Magazine 07 / 08 / 11

Bellco Credit Union Stays Green in More Ways Than One

Denver-based Belco Credit Union has always been a progressive institution, continually seeking new ways to give its members access to the latest in banking technology. So when a solution arose that would enable Bellco to eliminate paper waste, help the environment and cut operating costs— while also offering its customers streamlined, web-based services—Colorado’s second-largest credit union wasted no time. Continue reading →

Magazine 06 / 24 / 11

Five Things to do Right Now to Grow

By Robert McGarvey

Revamp Your Products

Opportunity: Core products like home loans seem like the same old, same old.

Action: Change up the parameters on a familiar (read: steady-selling) product to increase stickiness and make a splash.

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Magazine 06 / 09 / 11

THINK OUT LOUD

Jeanne Bliss Talks Customer Culture

We caught up with Jeanne Bliss, whose latest book, “I Love You More Than My Dog,” helps companies create the kind of customer experience that inspires deep loyalty and rave reviews. Bliss has fired up the customer culture for corporate giants like Lands’ End and Coldwell Banker. She’s also looking forward to sharing her game plan for success at THINK 11. The following is what Jeanne had to say about serving members with gusto. Continue reading →

Magazine 04 / 29 / 11

Time Out

Food trucks are cool, but they aren’t always easy to access. Case in point: When we spotted the famous Kogi Korean BBQ Truck on a recent drive through downtown Los Angeles, our children straight-up refused to jump from the moving car and cross six lanes of traffic to score us a kimchi quesadilla. Not that we were (totally) serious when we suggested it. Continue reading →